Newswise — DALLAS, TX – The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) shares top five reasons why veterans should consider a career in athletic training. Serving in the military is a unique experience and finding a fulfilling civilian job can be a challenge for veterans. According to research done by iCMS, 58% of veterans in the civilian workforce said the work they do is less meaningful than their jobs in the military. Athletic training contains elements of the military experience that allow for satisfying and impactful work as well as provides opportunities for veterans to tap into military skillsets that provide them with an advantage going into the profession.
- Vital Impact – Athletic trainers (ATs) see the direct impact they make in people’s lives, which is very rewarding. They not only prevent and address injuries that can permanently affect people’s health and wellness, they can also be the difference between life and death. Former military personnel have the crucial ability to be “calm under pressure”, which will provide veterans with a jump-start in the athletic training profession as well as serve them well throughout their career.
- Teamwork – ATs are always are part of a team. They not only work with the patient and employer, but also collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals. Athletic training allows veterans to tap into their expertise working with and balancing the needs of multiple and varied disciplines and stakeholders.
- Non-Traditional Work Environment – While there are administrative duties, athletic trainers interact directly with patients and are usually onsite to engage immediately when the need arises. Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals and practice in locations such as the athletic training medical facility, sports sidelines, industrial locations, racetracks, performing arts centers or other non-traditional training facilities.
- Dynamic Work Day – Athletic training often brings new experiences and challenges. The day for an athletic trainer may start somewhat calm and conventional – seeing patients or developing preventative or rehabilitation plans – and quickly escalate to addressing life or death injuries, such as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or exertional heat illness. Veterans have the discipline and on-time mentality that helps them stay organized and thrive in a sometimes unstructured athletic training environment.
- Learn and Grow – Athletic trainers are committed healthcare advocates and first responders for their patients. This provides veterans the opportunity to challenge themselves and grow as new research and technology emerges. New and unexpected situations arise every day and the adaptability provided by military training will be of great help.
BONUS – Veterans Serving Military Personnel: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for ATs is expected to increase by 23% (16% over the average growth rate for all occupations). One segment that will undoubtedly contribute to this growth is athletic training in the active military setting. This growing segment provides veterans with a potential advantage as many health care related jobs and/or training programs in the military complement the clinical training required to be an athletic trainer. Additionally, their background provides an unparalleled understanding of their military patients’ lingo and experience.
Athletic trainers are health care professionals that prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate injuries. They work in schools, colleges, professional sports, clinics, hospitals, corporations, industry, and the military. They must have a minimum of a four-year degree from a CAATE-accredited program and be certified by the Board of Certification (BOC).
To find out more about how to get started as an athletic trainer, click here.
For athletic training job postings, check out here.
About NATA: National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – Health Care for Life & Sport
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and sport-related illnesses. They prevent and treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries from sports, physical and occupational activity, and provide immediate care for acute injuries. Athletic trainers offer a continuum of care that is unparalleled in health care. The National Athletic Trainers' Association represents and supports 45,000 members of the athletic training profession. For more information, visit www.nata.org.
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